New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-04

Most of the churches of the city which have
been closed during vacation will be reODened
to-day. In some of them extensive repairs
have been made, and all of them doubtless will
seem more attractive than ever to their fire.
quenters. After the weeks of rest pastors and
people will join hands heartily at the begin
ming of what all must hope will prove another
year of earnest and successful work.
Further glimpses are given to-day of MOzarts
libIettist with especial reference to his person
al appearance and characteristics. 1t is sad
and strange that one whom so many prominent
men knew and honored when living should
have been so soon neglected and forgotten after
his death. Would it not be eminently fitting,
since none of the opera companies will be
performing at that time TOR some of our musi-
cal or literary associations to do honor to the
memory of both Mozart and Da Ponte by ar
ranging a celebration ON October %, the date
of the one hundredth anniversary of the first
performance of their joint work, "Don
Giovanni"f
The charge, sometimes made that corpora
tiOns are sOulless, does not always apply to the
members of the corporations Mr.. Cornelius
Vanderbilt, for instance, believes that the rail-
TOau mtu III HIS eupioy nave vi hiih
which cannot be met at the trcasurer's Office.
For ten years he has encouraged, personally
and financially, the rapidly developing railroad
department of the Young Mems Christian AssO-
citation in this city. His latest gift. finely
appointed building in Madison ave., near the
Grand Central Station, is described Cd the
eleventh page. Concerts, lectures, studies
which will be Of the most benefit to them,
gymnasium, a restroom. and large circulat-
ing library are among the features of the new
benefacti0n.
The statement of Mr.. Chamberlain's purpose
in coming to this country which is given In our
London correspondents cable dispatch may be
accepted as authoritative. The significant
thing about it is that he is not coming as the
attorney or champion of Canada. He seems
rather to possess the true spirit of an arbitrator
and will give both sides an impartial hearing.
This has not generally been true of English
commissioners. Mr.. Chamberlain feels very
warmly toward the United States and will do
all he can to promote friendly relations be-
tween America and England After his work
as a Fisheries Commissioner is over he intends
to see as much of our country as he can. He
should be cordially welcomed everywhere on
what is, we believe, his first visit to America.
Mountain climbing is almost always danger
Gus. The on y safe rule is never to venture
upon an unknown mountain without compe-
tent guide. 1t is rule often disregarded, as
the frequent loss of life in the Alps testifes.
This year has been exceptionally prolific of
such accidents, some of which will be found
described in a graphic letter from Zurich on
the ninth page. In one case an experienced
climber tripped on a wild vine and went over
o precipice. In another young woman
slipped. friend caught her hand, and third
tried to save the two, but all three plunged down
to death. The most distressing calamity OF all
Is the loss Of six young men, bent on scientific
pursuits. who attempted to scale the Jungfrau
without guide and by q new way. They
reached the summit in safety. but in going
down missed the path. and their bodies were
Bound ct tho foot Of q Cliff 600 feet high.